In July, we received a report from Serena K. on of our tutors. Serena has been tutoring Anthony, a basic literacy student, for almost one year. I feel that the details of this story are compelling and important for us to share with you and everyone in the community.
"Anthony's goals included developing stronger reading and writing skills so that the could eventually apply to college. In our meetings I asked him to do free writing and also assigned this as homework. We have accomplished the goals of applying for a library card and I have also taught him how to use a dictionary.
For homework, I assigned Anthony vocabulary words to create sentences and reading assignments. I encourage him to identify words he has a problem with so that he can either look them up in the dictionary, or bring them to the next meeting so that we can review them together. Other assignments I use are search word puzzles to sharpen his skills of finding words and associating letters. I use word puzzles and other exercises from the Reading Basic books found in the library.
Anthony has a mild case of dyslexia so we try to work on that as well.
Anthony wants to join the Army or the Marines so that they will pay for him to go to college. Although he has worked very hard, I explained that without constant practice it will be difficult to master these skills. Since that conversation Anthony has increased his dedication and made continuous efforts to build his reading and writing skills. He noticed that as he kept practicing he found it easier to write his thoughts and made fewer mistakes while reading.
Anthony attempted the test to join the Marines twice and failed. He was extremely discouraged, but I kept encouraging him and he kept practicing.
My proudest moment in all my years with LPNJ was this Friday when Anthony called me with this third test results. A score of 31 was required to past the test, and Anthony passed with a score of 50!
Anthony is very happy and is heading for the Marines at the end of the summer. I am so proud of him and grateful to him for protecting our country!"
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